Epidemiologic characteristics and pathogen surveillance of hand, foot and mouth disease in Liaoning province, 2008-2017

Objective To evaluate the epidemiologic characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease in Zhejiang province between 2009 and 2017, so that scientific evidence could be provided for prevention and control of hand, foot and mouth disease. Methods Spatial, temporal and population distribution of HFMD was analyzed. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase cain reaction was used to test Enterovirus A71 and Coxsackievirus A16 in samples. Results Between 2009 and 2017, 1 108 093 HFMD cases were reported in Zhejiang with the prevalence of 226.24/100000; 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016 had a higher prevalence than other years. Prevalence of HFMD peaked in April-July and September-October. Wenzhou, Taizhou and Ningbo had a higher prevalence than other cities. In total, 69.27% cases were children who were not enrolled in nursery school, and 65.67% were 1-3 years old. Pathogen surveillance showed that EV-A71 decreased in mild cases, whereas other enterovirus increased. However EV-A71 was still predominant in severe and fatal cases (56.0%). Conclusions Temporal and spatial distribution of HFMD is characteristic in Zhejiang province. EV-A71 predominated in severe cases and fatal cases, while other enterovirus (non-EV-A71, non CV-A16) were the main pathogen for mild cases. Key words: Hand, foot and mouth disease; Epidemiologic characteristics; Pathogen surveillance